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Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs(FG/SCP)

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) started its Foster Grandparent Program in 1967 at Pacific State Hospital which became Lanterman Developmental Center and is now closed. Now operating in nine locations, low income seniors, age 55 years or older, are matched as volunteers with Regional Center consumers who are under the age of 21. With a lifetime of experience, the Foster Grandparent offers comfort and assistance to the consumer so he or she may fully participate in school or daily living activities and enjoy a higher quality of life.

DDS also operates the Senior Companion Program which started in 1978 and shares the same philosophy and goals as the Foster Grandparent Program; however, Senior Companions volunteer to mentor Regional Center consumers who are 21 years of age or older. Mentoring and companionship is the main focus of the one-on-one partnerships that are created by the program.

Eligible volunteers provide a minimum of 15 hours of service per week to the consumer and in return they receive:

A tax-free stipend

Partial reimbursement for travel expenses

A meal stipend each day they volunteer

An annual physical

A 20 hour orientation and on-going in-service training

Recognition for volunteer service

The Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs benefit all parties. Volunteers remain physically and mentally active and they report that the quality of their lives is greatly improved. In addition, the toddlers, children and adults with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities receive guidance which empowers them to achieve their physical, emotional and social goals.

For information about becoming a volunteer, please contact the center listed above for your area. For additional information about the program, please contact: